Korean Job Discussion Forums

[peppermint]

One of the best things I've found to supplememt a class:
http://www.kididdles.com/mouseum/alpha.html

It's got every kids song I've ever heard of and lots that I haven't. I put the site up on the tv screen, sing a bit once, then go through line by line with the kids. It'll eat around fifteen minutes depending on the song.

[Demophobe]

[manlyboy]

My experience has been very, very good so far. That improptu speech thing in front of a thousand people took me by surprise though. The workload has been extremely light. I've been received by all very warmly. It looks like it could be a pretty sweet gig.
One major concern though - My co-teacher appears to be incredibly LAZY!!! She's a nice person, and we're building a good rapport, but she's got that jaded, going-through-the-motions-for-a-paycheck look about her. She's spent more time lounging than working in the last two days. I figured I would be mostly observing at first, but every lesson so far has been a forty minute Q and A between the kids and myself with my co-teacher staying suspiciously uninvolved, sipping coffee and even leaving the room at times. We've already agreed that I will do all the prep work. What I've planned for tomorrow she really didn't look at all that closely, and I fear I'm going to have to explain it to her as we're doing it.
As keeping a good rapport with her is essential, there is no way I will call her on this so early in the game. I don't mind shouldering the workload anyway, as it seems to be nothing compared to my previous hagwon gigs. Just unsure how I should deal with her in the event that this isn't a big misunderstanding on my part.

[mack the knife]

Let the rape begin.

After a mellow first day, the supervisor informs me today that starting next week, my Wednesday class prep-time (2:30-5:00) will now be hijacked so I can attend weekly "teachers training meetings" or some such nonsense at another location. I don't know whether to s**t or go blind.

It's not technically a breach of contract, but that doesn't take away the bite. That's the key word here. BITE. As in, bite me, GEPIK.

Anyone else have to do this "training"?

I'm guessing that there is a loophole in the law that allows one to "train" at other locations, despite the fact that you can't work at other locations without immigration's consent. My supervisor isn't sure if it's going to be a weekly deal, so, my fingers are crossed.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Is there an EPIK person in the room?

I used to teach high school back home. I'm getting tired of my present position and have found myself missing teaching high school age students.

My question is this: Can people in the EPIK program choose high school? (I am not at all interested in either middle or elementary school.)

Second: Do you have any say at all about where you teach? I wouldn't mind a small high school in a small town.

Anyone with info?

[Grotto]

Hey Mack

Just make sure they get all the i's dotted and t's crossed. Even if it is a government program you still need immigration to put the second workplace on your ARC card. Until they get that done just tell them you cant do it as it would be a breach of your contract...ie: doing something illegal.

Day 3 here more planning going on and I get to start setting up my classroom, although I dont really get to use it much. There is some talk about 3 special classes that I will get to teach in it sometime next month.

[CanadaCommando]

[McNasty]

CanadaCommando,

Thanks for the tip.

All has been worked out and the decision has been made that the parents will have to go and buy the books for the students.

I can't believe this nonsense! For crying out loud! Why can't the school step up and purchase the books and then collect the money from the students?!?

Oh wait a sec. That would be too logical.
Am I pissed about this whole situation? Duh!
The problem is that when the special classes begin I am certain that many of the students will be without books. That is going to be a big problem with some following along and participating while others are left twidling their thumbs.

[peppermint]

If you're anticipating a few students not having the books, make a few photocopies for the first day or plan a lesson that's not too textbook intensive. I found with my summer program, even though the school royally screwed up the books for the kids, when I told them what book they needed, all but one kid had it the next day.

[McNasty]

Thanks Peppermint,

I was planning on using some supplemental lessons for the first few classes to give the students a chance to purchase the books. I want them to get the most out of the lessons since these are special classes for the kids. I look forward to the challenge of creating my own curriculum for these special classes. I especially hope the kids enjoy them too.

[mack the knife]

How much are you getting paid for your special classes? W20,000 or W22,000? If you read the contract carefully, the Korean clearly states W20,000, while the English section states W22,000.

I should also mention...The instructors at the seminar made us (me?) think that I was going to be walking into a class full of English-challenged students. I have been pleasantly suprised to see that most of my students a) speak and understand all the basics b) seem truly interested in me (and hopefully the lessons).

[canukteacher]

It has certainly been a week fo adjustment. Went through the ceremony and all that. Gave a VERY brief speech.

My co-teacher is a lovely lady, but I think a bit of a control freek. I honestly think she is worried that I don't know how to teach. But that has been solved. She is not a great teacher (not much experience), so I think she realized that I am quite capable and we are settling into a nice team teaching routine.

First day..............I was ready to quit.............Friday..........I am fitting in. The other teachers and the students are great.

Co-teacher is also weak on the classroom management side, but we are working on that.

NOW..............if she would just let me go to the bathroom by myself

CT

[CanadaCommando]

[pecan]

CC,

I think you missed the boat on this one.

When you teach a supplementary class and are responsible for the material (i.e. selecting the text), it is reasonable to purchase the texts for yourself and your students (if you decide to use a book), as you can save a lot of money buying in bulk.

Personally, I seldom require my students to purchase books, because it can be a burden on many of the families.

Regardless, the OP has selected to require his supplementary class to purchase the text. Accordingly, providing the books is common practice.

Free advice: if you follow through with requiring your students to use a certain text book, buy it for all of your students in bulk (you will get a nice discount and a free teacher's book). You can pass the savings on to your students, if you are the generous type, or pocket it for yourself.

On the first day of your supplementary class have some introductory activities prepared, so you do not need to get into the text until the second day. Tell the students to bring X amount for the text for the second class, show them the books, etc.

In the end, what books do not get purchased can be returned without any difficulty. No need to worry about not getting reimbursed, or about making a fuss about something that should be a non-issue.

Nut

[kermo]

Our school is undergoing massive renovations, so no teaching happens until Monday. There are maybe 3 teachers at my school who can communicate effectively in English, but that's more than enough.

I'm not crazy about the curriculum. I'd rather let the Korean teachers use those activities (since they are already familiar with them) and offer supplementary exercises during my classes.

If you're wondering who I am, as I am trying to figure out y'all, it might help to note that I am a Canadian female who taught Mr. Park everything he knows about disco dancing. Sadly, that's not much.